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More than half a century ago, three partners raised a vibrant, multicolored tent on an underdeveloped industrial site and established the Westbury Music Fair. It followed its first production, The King and I, with a decade of top-name talent and Broadway musicals. Then, recognizing its place on the theater scene was permanent, it planted its roots as a fully enclosed theater-in-the-round. Expanding its repertoire to match its new digs, the theater showcased performers such as The Who, Bruce Springsteen, and Julie Andrews. Today, past a lounge blazing in purple and red lights, guests find that same circular stage hosting equally great musical acts, musical theater, and competitive musical chairs.

Founded in 1884, the Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center is among the oldest community music organizations in the U.S., inviting patrons into its halls year after year to support and experience the excitement of live music. The center is home to the Mendelssohn Chamber Orchestra, which won the 2011 award for Best Chamber Orchestra from the Illinois Council of Orchestras. The group of in-residence musicians keep fans of classical music thoroughly entertained with concerts throughout the year and tag-team wrestling matches between the string and brass sections.

Before it was the Adler, Davenport's flagship theater was known as the Radio-Keith-Orpheum. Built in 1931 to include the Mississippi Hotel, the movie house was a picture of extravagance: gold leaf on the ceiling, crystal light fixtures, black ebony and marble detailing. Although the rise of multiplex theaters made it impractical for the venue to continue lighting its silver screen and hosting shadow-puppet contests, it transformed into a hotspot for rock concerts and road shows. Today, renovated to its original glory, the art-deco space is once again a go-to spot for Broadway shows, standup, and live music.

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Groupon Guide

If thinking about a night at the symphony makes you sweat, take a deep breath and consider the following: you don’t need a monocle or a fur stole to fit in. Gone are the days when dressing like Mr. Monopoly was the norm, and that’s not the only aspect of symphony etiquette that’s changed in recent years.In general, concert culture is far more relaxed than it once was. According to Lisa McDaniel, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s Director of Donor Engagement, there’s a good reason for this: “We want patrons to feel comfortable.” With that said, there’s a fine line between letting loose and becoming the most memorable part of your seating section’s evening. Here are a few tips to ensure a great night at the symphony—both for you and for those around you.There’s No Wrong Way to ClapIt’s a fairly typical scene: a silence settles over the crowd as the first movement winds down, only to be broken by a few awkward solo claps. How rude—or how perfect? “They’re probably clapping because they feel moved by the piece,” McDaniel explains. “If people feel the need to do it, they should … but they should be aware that some people sitting around them won’t.”Traditionally, clapping occurs at the end of the piece and not between movements. If you prefer not to be the odd one out, check your program. The evening’s performance listing should give you a clue as to the number of movements. If all else fails, wait until the conductor turns to face the audience—that’s your cue to clap away.Arrive on Time, or Risk Missing Part of the ShowAt the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and many other venues, the doors to the auditorium close once the music begins. “You will probably not be ushered right into your seat until there’s a break between movements or pieces,” McDaniel warns. “But our front-of-the-house staff know exactly when to do that, so they will guide you and make you feel comfortable when you can go in.” The CSO also broadcasts the performance on an 80-inch TV in the second-floor ballroom, should you need to wait until intermission to take your seat.Save Your Gown for the BallThese days, it’s easier than ever to go straight from work to the concert hall. “Concerts are for the public,” McDaniel says. “So if you’re wearing jeans, that’s fine. If you’re wearing a suit, that’s fine. There’s no specific dress code.” With that said, you might want to think twice about bringing your “Bassoons are the Best” foam finger.So You Have to Cough…“We certainly don’t want to get in the way of anybody’s health,” McDaniel says, “so we don’t want you to hold it in.” If you do need some one-on-one time with your dry throat, feel free to excuse yourself to get a drink of water or a cough drop. Both are available for free in the lobbies of many concert halls. You may have to wait to re-enter, but at least you can feel good about it when you do.Think Twice Before Bringing the KidsEven if your dear toddler has already composed his first tune, he may not be ready to sit still for the duration of a long performance. Though the CSO offers some concerts specifically for children, McDaniel doesn’t recommend “the more grownup classical concerts” for kids younger than 8. The good news? At the CSO, the ballroom TV is a great way for parents to watch the show with their children.Photos by Todd Rosenberg, courtesy of Chicago Symphony Orchestra.Brush up on your arts etiquette with help from the Groupon Guide:A Dancer Tells Us How to Prepare for a Night at the BalletEverything You Need to Know Before Your First Opera